Down with the kids: Murray brings family to Dubai

Andy Murray will have company next week at the ATP Dubai event, with the former champion bringing his family of wfe Kim and their four children in for a tennis holiday week.

The 2017 champion at the Aviation Club is taking advantage of the half-term school holidays to experience a family affair prior to the tournament which begins February 27. 

The three-time Grand Slam winner will be playing Dubai for an eighth time, hoping to duplicate his title from six years ago when he beat Fernando Verdasco in the final.

The Murray clan have been in the emirate for several days, with the No. 70 getting a few good practice days.

“Practice has been brilliant,” Murray said.  “The court was pretty much brand-new when we started, so I got some really good sessions in. 

“It’s been great preparation for these next two weeks – I’ve loved it.” 

The Scot first played the event in 2008, when he beat Roger Federer in a fist-round shock before losing four years later to the Swiss in the final.

Murray had words of praise for the easy logistics of an event where players stay in five-star hotel luxury on the grounds of the tennis complex.

“The facilities are fantastic – they’ve even got a gym just for the players to use now, which is really nice,” the 35-year-old said.

“The tournament has changed a lot since the first time I was here: the whole city has changed, but the tournament has evolved. 

“With the hotel here on-site now, you spend no time in cars, or traffic, or anything. You’re right here.”

Murray can be expected to increase his training tempo next week as women play a WTA event here.